“Tummy Tuck with Lipo Scheduled for March 17, 2011”

37-year-old married mom of 4!! After having 3 babies, an emergency appendectomy(lovely scar running from umbilicus to pubic area), and then another baby, the belly is just plain disgusting! I've been dreaming of having a TT done for years, but just never thought it would be a reality. Then one day I finally told myself that all I really had to do was DO IT! (Oh, and pay for it...lol)

So I am scheduled for next Thursday, March 17, at 1:30! Scared, nervous, excited ~ all those good emotions. This site has been instrumental in me keeping my sanity in the meantime. I love all the reviews and especially the ones that detail feelings and progress almost daily!! I hope to try to help others as I've been helped!

Updated on 15 Mar 2011:
I've been eating very light today (2 days prior to surgery). I've read so many posts about constipation on here that I'm scared to death of it. I have the MOM ready and waiting! Have to pick up my scripts tonight and I am fearful of how much those are going to cost. That is definitely something that someone considering this surgery should think about. It never crossed my mind beforehand. I will update on the price later, but I think it's going to be a pretty hefty amount, and my deductible isn't met yet with my insurance.

Updated on 17 Mar 2011:
Hooray, I did it. No real pain yet, but just hanging out in the recliner. Some stinging on the outermost edges of the incision. Doc and all nurses were great. Definitely a good experience so far. Scared about the pain tomorrow and. Saturday, but one day at a time, right? PS said he took off the equivalent of 8 sticks of butter! Haha! Bye bye butter belly!!

Updated on 18 Mar 2011:
Not quite 12 hours postop and not feeling bad at all. Hope I didn't just jinx myself. Fell asleep and set my clock for 1 to take my pills, but I turned it off and woke up at 2:30. Uncomfortable but not really painful. Got up and went pee all by myself. Not horrible at all.

Updated on 19 Mar 2011:
Second day after surgery day (so is this 3rd day postop, or 2nd?) Going pretty well. I litteraly have zero pain while sitting in my recliner. Fell asleep last night before I was supposed to take my midnight dose of vicodin...woke up at 5:30 and was definitely feeling it. But I would never describe it as excruciating. Although it was enough to remind me not to go 10 hours with no pain meds...lol!

Getting out of the recliner hurts like hell. Feels like every fiber of every muscle is burning and tearing. I am positive that I haven't been up and moving as much as I should be, but its hard to make yourself do things that you know are going to hurt.

I am so anxious to see what my belly looks like, but I am not allowed to remove anything until I see him Tuesday. It is going to be like opening the best christmas gift ever!! I will say that it sure does feel flat under my binder.

Updated on 21 Mar 2011:
Day 4 - pain from muscle repair is remarkably diminished from yesterday. I have never had any pain from the actual incision site. Rib areas are a bit sore from the lipo, but wouldn't describe it as actual pain. The recliner has been amazing and I have been sleeping like a rock at night. Still haven't seen my results..that will be tomorrow at my FU appt. Also my drains haven't bothered me in the slightest as of yet. All in all this whole experience has gone much more smoothly than I anticipated!!

Updated on 22 Mar 2011:
First postop appointment today went well. This was this first peek I have had at my new tummy. One word: amazing. I could not be happier with how this whole experience has turned out, and I am only 5 days postop. Seriously a dream come true for me!!

Updated on 29 Mar 2011:
Post op day 12: Got the drains removed this morning. Seriously, not one bit of pain. And he had them anchored so nicely that they never bothered me a bit while they were in. I just got tired of maneuvering around them when dressing and going to the bathroom. Having them gone feels excellent! Doc said I'm healing very nicely, but still healing and not to overdo any activity now just since I'm feeling better!

I really don't have a high pain tolerance, but this procedure and the recovery has not been anywhere near as bad as I had expected, or prepared myself for!

Updated on 6 Apr 2011:


Updated on 6 Apr 2011:
Hello confidence...it's been a while; I've missed you!!